Activities

Walking from Lonsdale

A lovely coastal walk just 1 mile to Castle Point, a former hill fort at the entrance to Rockcliffe Bay. This walk can be extended for several more miles.

Another option is to catch a bus from by the beach to Sandyhills and walk back along the coastal path. Fantastic views over the Solway Firth to the Lakeland hills.

Walk the Jubilee path to Kippford 1 mile (Lonsdale drive leads onto the path) Ther is an upper and lower path so go one way and come back the other. From a point half way along the Jubilee Path
branch right and walk up a track to Mark Hill for glorious views of Rockcliffe Bay, Kippford, Rough Island and the Urr Estuary.

A ten minute walk from the cottage across NTS fields at the bottom of the drive to the Moat of Mark a small hill for good views of the surrounding area.

Extensive forest walks - go in the evening to spot the roe deer.

Walk out to Rough Island. A round trip to Rough Island back along the shell causeway to Kippford and returning along the Jubilee Path can be recommended. (bring your wellies)

Other Walks

Climb Screel Hill, moderate walking with some scrabling near the top.

Criffel Hill, quite challenging walk, best walked in good weather after a dry spell as can be very wet.

Cycling

A large lockable bike store is available at Lonsdale. Nearby Dalbeattie is home to one of the renowned 7 Stanes mountain biking networks providing invigorating biking via a range of ability routes
and easily accessable from the cottage. If thats too serious cycle through the forest paths by the cottage or along the lane to Colvend. NPG Cycles in Dalbeattie for bike hire, parts and repair.

Bird Watching

RSPB Mersehead

In winter the surrounding fields are full of thousands of Barnacle Geese from Spitzbergen, also present Canada Geese and Grey Lag Geese. A large number of ducks, in winter, can be seen on the
pools from the two viewing hides - including Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveller,Teal, Wigeon, Pintail and Tufted Duck. Also a shoreline walk. The natterjack toads present on the reserve recently
featured on Countryfile.A visitor information site with drinks and toilets.

Swimming

Swimming pool at Kirkcudbright. A modern warm pool 20 metres in length.